How to hire a shoveler

How to hire a shoveler, step by step

Here's a step-by-step shoveler hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a shoveler job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new shoveler
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post a shoveler job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   The shoveler hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A shoveler's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, shovelers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of shovelers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Shoveler	Description	Hourly rate
   Shoveler	Hand laborers and material movers manually move freight, stock, or other materials. Others feed or remove material to and from machines, clean vehicles, pick up unwanted household goods, and pack materials for moving.	$10-19
   Stage Hand	Stagehands are skilled employees who work in the television, film, or theatre to assist other crew members set up the sound, lighting, and other equipment as well as helping performers change into their costumes. These employees are required to hang banners, update marquees, and handle other signage within the venue as it is important for any production... Show more	$12-23
   Loader/Unloader	A loader's responsibilities regularly involve manual work such as lifting and transporting objects to vehicles like trucks and vans. The tasks of a loader may also include operating various kinds of machines, maintain accurate documentation and inventory, sort and organize goods while examining their quality and quantity, and devise strategies on how to expand space capacity... Show more	$12-18

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Snow Removal
   • Snow Blowers
   • Bobcat
   • Manual Labor

   Responsibilities:

   • Load pallets onto trailers for delivery to wholesome/retail stores.
   • Stack loaves of bread onto racks on separate dollies for loading on delivery trucks.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your shoveler job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A shoveler salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, shovelers' average salary in alabama is 50% less than in north dakota.
   • Seniority. Entry-level shovelers earn 45% less than senior-level shovelers.
   • Certifications. A shoveler with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a shoveler's salary.

   Average shoveler salary

   $14.44hourly

   $30,034 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level shoveler salary

   $22,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 31, 2026

   Average shoveler salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Minnesota	$41,069	$20
   2	Minnesota	$40,954	$20
   3	Massachusetts	$39,596	$19
   4	Alaska	$38,278	$18
   5	Connecticut	$36,641	$18
   6	Connecticut	$36,630	$18
   7	Connecticut	$36,400	$18
   8	Utah	$35,171	$17
   9	Michigan	$34,463	$17
   10	Montana	$34,157	$16
   11	Michigan	$33,810	$16
   12	Maine	$33,393	$16
   13	Maine	$33,352	$16
   14	New York	$32,857	$16
   15	Colorado	$31,015	$15
   16	Colorado	$30,807	$15
   17	Pennsylvania	$30,480	$15
   18	Colorado	$30,394	$15

   Average shoveler salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Simon Property Group	$36,228	$17.42
   2	Abbott Clinic	$30,938	$14.87
   3	Green	$30,580	$14.70
   4	BrightView	$30,389	$14.61	10
   5	Silver Key Senior Services	$30,363	$14.60
   6	Designs By Sundown	$29,661	$14.26
   7	Acres	$29,660	$14.26
   8	BrightView Landscape Development Inc	$29,650	$14.25	9
   9	Tradesmen International	$29,359	$14.11
   10	A & M	$29,206	$14.04
   11	Bowdoin College	$29,013	$13.95	1
   12	PeopleReady	$28,989	$13.94	32
   13	SUNY Delhi	$27,585	$13.26

4. Writing a shoveler job description

   A shoveler job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a shoveler job description:

   Shoveler job description example

   Looking for an opportunity where success comes naturally? Then you may have found your crew. We're looking for Snow Shovelers to join our team.
   Here's what you'd do:
   
   This position is responsible for removing snow on assigned residential or commercial sites on an "as needed" basis. Primary function is to remove snow using a shovel or snow blower on walkways, thoroughfare's, etc. This position may also assist snow removal teams (Drivers) with their snow removal responsibilities. The position may also be required to spread salt or sand on an as needed basis.
   
   You'd be responsible for:
   
   * Removing snow using a shovel or snow blower for several hours at a time, depending on the amount of snowfall
   * Availability each time it snows, and report either to a central location or directly to the jobsite
   * Removing snow in appropriate locations, avoiding piling it on trees, shrubs, fire hydrants or sidewalks
   * Checking with your immediate Supervisor prior to going home in the event that help is needed else-where
   * Reporting any concerns to your direct Supervisor
   * Maintaining a good attendance record, arriving as promptly as possible each time you are called for snow removal duties
   * Filling out a job sheet/time card as soon as you are finished working after each snow removal operation
   * If you can't answer a customer's question about our snow removal processes, find the on-site Supervisor to answer their question
   * Being available and arrive on time each time it snows
   * Communicating effectively with your Supervisor and coworkers to ensure maximum efficiency
   * Participating in maintaining a safe and secure work environment for employees and customers by adhering to company safety policies
   * Being aware of safety issues or concerns, and report them to the appropriate Supervisor
   * Performing other tasks as assigned by supervisor/manager
   
   And while not mandatory, it would be great if you also have:
   
   To perform this job successfully, an individual must demonstrate and perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The ability to effectively communicate and interact, in a positive manner, with all Company personnel and external customers is also required. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
   
   * Reliable transportation to and from any work site
   * Physically able to work outside, sometimes in extreme weather conditions
   * Ability to shovel snow, sometimes for several hours at a time
   * Ability to communicate effectively
   * Willing to dress appropriately for all weather conditions
   
   Here's what to know about working here:
   
   At BrightView, we're a tight-knit crew who are as passionate about caring for our clients as we are about each other. Though we're the nation's leading landscape company, we maintain a small company feel and supportive environment that makes our team members feel at home.
   
   If you're looking to join a crew of talented go-getters who tackle big vision projects other companies could only dream of, you might just have found your match. With our range of services, including landscape design, development, maintenance and enhancements, there's no limit to what we can do, and what you can achieve.
   
   In addition to industry-leading development opportunities, you'll also have benefits and perks like:
   
   * Competitive salary
   * Paid time off
   * Medical, dental, and vision insurance
   
   Think you've found your crew?
   
   BrightView is an Equal Employment Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find shovelers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any shovelers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level shovelers with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your shoveler job on Zippia to find and recruit shoveler candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with shoveler candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new shoveler

   Once you have selected a candidate for the shoveler position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a shoveler?